The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a reception to officially launch a campaign promoting Thailand’s candidature for non-permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (2017-2018) on 16 August 2013 at 18:00 – 20:00 hrs at Vithes Samosorn, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Representatives from the diplomatic corps and international organizations in Thailand as well as scholars and journalists have been invited to attend the reception. An exhibition reflecting the history of Thailand’s relations with the United Nations will also be displayed. 

Any issue taken up by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) ultimately affects every country and its people. Therefore, a more accessible, transparent and increasingly effective UNSC, with increased coherence with other United Nations (UN) bodies, is in the interest of everyone. In offering its candidature for non-permanent membership of the UNSC in 2017-2018, Thailand pledges to be a bridge-builder for members and non-members of the UNSC.

As a medium-sized developing country, Thailand strongly supports a rule-based multilateral system, with full respect for sovereign equality among nations. In a world of such great political, economic and cultural diversity, Thailand firmly believes that constructive dialogue based on mutual respect is essential to achieving common goals and universal values such as comprehensive security, sustainable development and human rights.

Thailand believes that partnership between the UNSC and regional organizations will become ever more important in addressing the multi-faceted challenges facing international peace and security.  As a founding member and the birthplace of the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) in 1967, Thailand has actively worked with all partners in the region to promote trust, confidence and cooperation in order to advance regional peace, stability and economic prosperity in Southeast Asia and the wider Asia-Pacific. Through the ASEAN Community to be established in 2015, Thailand will work to enhance regional cooperation for peace and stability and to strengthen preventive diplomacy.

The Royal Thai Government believes that Thailand is well placed to serve on the United Nations Security Council and hopes to receive support from other countries and all sectors of Thai society.